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September 2022
The New Grids on the Block
NREL's validation capabilities range from lab to field, watt to megawatt, component to system, and nanogrid to microgrid.
Microgrids For Anyone
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has now published a description of the improvised controls that saved NREL during its own outage, which could make microgrids easy and low cost where they are needed most.
On the Road to 100% Clean Electricity: Six Potential Strategies To Break Through Last Few Percent
A growing body of research has demonstrated that cost-effective high-renewable power systems are possible, but costs increase as systems approach 100% carbon-free electricity—what has become known as the "last 10% problem."
Protecting Power System Frequency With Increasing Distributed Energy Resources
Distributed energy resources (DERs) with advanced controls can provide services to the grid such as frequency response. However, unlike conventional generators, DERs have to regularly exchange signals with faraway control centers.
August 2022
Assessing Power System Reliability in a Changing Grid, Environment
NREL's energy analysts use the "three Rs" concept to provide a fuller picture of power system reliability with changing resource mixes and grid conditions.
New Cybersecurity Tool Simplifies Site Evaluations
As federal sites invest in distributed energy resources like solar panels and battery backups, investments in cybersecurity must also be considered. More energy resources create more complexity to manage—introducing the potential of new cyber vulnerabilities and added costs down the road.
July 2022
Industry Partners Selected for Advanced Grid Management Demonstrations at NREL
The U.S. Department of Energy has selected industry leaders Shell, Spirae LLC, Electrical Grid Monitoring Inc., and Israel Electric Corporation to partner with NREL on power distribution system management and controls.
Calling on Cybersecurity Innovators: Help Utilities Improve Authentication for Distributed Energy Systems
Utilities need cybersecurity solutions that are easy to implement and can make a real-world difference immediately. That is why the theme for the first cohort of the new Clean Energy Cybersecurity Accelerator (CECA) is strong authentication for distributed energy resources.
Reframing Curtailment: Why Too Much of a Good Thing Is Still a Good Thing
Video explains how having more than enough renewable energy capacity can make the grid more flexible.
NREL Addresses Energy Challenges for Sustainable Aviation
From sustainable fuels to airport infrastructure analysis to next-gen aircraft, NREL offers solutions for lowering emissions in a sector that is among the most difficult to decarbonize.
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Last Updated May 5, 2025